1953 saw the Oilers finish in 2nd
place. The Oilers looked to be back on track but were derailed in the finals by
the Dallas Eagles. The Reds would end their 7 year affiliation with the team
in 1954. The Oilers who had been enjoying long term PDC's began bouncing around
from one team to another. The Indians came in, in 1955 and the Cubs came back
in 1956. Then the Phillies came to town during 1957 and 1958. The team actually
made the playoffs twice during this period, losing in the first round both times.
What the Oilers really needed was a serious commitment. They got it in 1959.